Method and system for adapting casino games to playing preferences

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of the present invention provides for receiving a player identifier, transmitting the player identifier to a central server, receiving data corresponding to the player identifier from the central server, and configuring play of a casino game based on the data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to gaming methods and systems. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a method and system foradapting casino games to playing preferences.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many casinos offer electronic slot machines, each programmed to play aparticular game of chance, such as slots, video poker, or videoblackjack. While these games award payouts based upon play results, theyare designed to retain, on average, a certain percentage of all moneyreceived. This percentage is commonly referred to as the “holdpercentage.” Despite the fact that the odds are stacked in favor of slotmachines, players still play slot machines not only for theirentertainment value, but also in hopes of hitting a large jackpot.

To provide an added incentive to play the slot machines, many casinosoffer programs to reward those players who frequently play slotmachines. In one such program, a casino accumulates “player rewardpoints” for a player as he spends money on slot machines in that casino.This can be done by networking the slot machines to a central serverthat stores the points for that player. The casino issues a playertracking card containing a unique player identification number. Theplayer inserts the card into a card reader of a slot machine, whichtransmits the identification number to the central server. As the playerspends money in the slot machine, the server accumulates reward pointsfor that player. After the player accumulates enough points, he canredeem them for, for example, merchandise or apply them against room,food, and beverage charges at the casino hotel.

In many cases, however, these incentives may not be enough to attractcasino players to play slot machines. One reason is that players mayfind it difficult to locate slot machines configured to play the gamethey prefer. A slot machine is typically programmed to play a singlegame type (e.g., deuces-wild, video poker). If a player is interested inplaying a game other than the game that a particular slot machine isprogrammed to play, he is forced to wander around the casino until he isable to locate another available slot machine programmed to play thepreferred game. In addition, where a group of people visit a casino,members of the group may be forced to split up so that each can find aslot machine programmed to play the game he likes.

Even after players have successfully found slot machines programmed toplay the games they like, those slot machines may not be configured tooperate in a manner that they like. For example, many slot machines donot permit players to select which language is used, or choose whichform of payout (i.e., money, prize, complimentary awards) the playerprefers. Thus, locating slot machines configured to players' preferencespresents such an imposing task that many players are simply discouragedfrom even trying and consequently do not play slot machines.Accordingly, conventional slot machines do not satisfy the needs of manyplayers.

To address this shortcoming, some slot machines prompt players at thebeginning of every gaming session to select from a menu of games. This,however, requires players to spend some time at the beginning of eachand every gaming session choosing their preferred game, which in mostcases does not vary from session to session. Many players are unwillingto spend, or uninterested in spending, the time to repeatedly enter thesame game selection every time they play. Accordingly, such slotmachines are also unsatisfactory.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention provides for receiving a playeridentifier, transmitting the player identifier to a central server,receiving data corresponding to the player identifier from the centralserver, and configuring play of a casino game based on the data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and, together with the DetailedDescription, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system consistent with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of network server 110 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of slot machine 120 shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 4 illustrates a sample record from player database 214 stored indata storage device 210 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sample record from player preferences database 216stored in data storage device 210 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates a sample record from casino preferences database 218stored in data storage device 210 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates, a sample table from game parameter database 326stored in data storage device 320 shown in FIG. 3;.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sample table from casino parameter database 328stored in data storage device 320 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram representing a method of establishing playerpreferences in a networked slot machine for later retrieval;

FIGS. 1O a-1Ob are flow diagrams representing a method of configuring aslot machine based upon player preferences consistent with theinvention; and

FIGS. 11 a-11 b are flow diagrams representing a method of configuring aslot machine based upon casino preferences consistent with theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction

Embodiments of the present invention allow casino players to customizethe play of casino games, including table games and games played at slotmachines, according to their playing preferences. Such systems may alsotailor the play of casino games for individual players, for example,according to casino preferences. Such systems may eliminate the need forplayers to wander around a casino to locate a slot machine, slot machinegame, or table game configured in the manner they prefer. Moreover,these systems allow casino games to be adapted to maintain the interestof the player.

Embodiments of the invention allow casino players to set playerparameters easily, such as game type, language, and payout options, topreselected player preferences. In such systems, one or more casinodevices (e.g., slot machines, other game devices, card readers, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), data entry terminals, data display terminals)are networked to one or more central servers that store informationabout player preferences. As is known in the art, a central servercomprises a computer or similar device that responds to requests fromclients, such as casino devices. Such requests may be for data,programs, computations, processing or other resources the clientsrequest. As is also known in the art, a central server may comprise aplurality of computers that work together and present the appearance ofa single server to a client.

After a player provides a player identifier to the networked casinodevice (e.g., by inserting a player tracking card into a card readerdevice of a slot machine), the casino device transmits the player'sidentification number to the central server. The central server accessesand transmits player preferences associated with the receivedidentification number to a casino device to configure play of a casinogame for the player. The central server may also access and transmitother data associated with the received identification number, asdescribed below.

The casino device receiving the player preferences does not have to bethe same casino device that transmitted the player's identificationnumber to the central server. The casino device receives the playerpreferences from the central server and configures the game to operateaccording to the received player preferences. Alternatively or inaddition, casino personnel (e.g., table game dealer, slot host) may usethe received player preferences to configure play of a casino game forthe player. According to another alternative embodiment, the serverconfigures the game to operate according to player preferences withouttransmitting the player preferences to the casino device.

Embodiments of the invention also allow casino devices to modify casinoparameters, such as hold percentage, complimentary award rate, and gameeligibility, to casino preferences according to the performance ofcasino players to enhance their play experience. The networked casinodevice transmits to the central server a player's identification numberand performance data for a casino player. The central server receivesthe player identification number and performance data, determinesappropriate casino preferences, and transmits the casino preferences toa casino device to configure play of a casino game for the player. Thecasino device receiving the player preferences does not have to be thesame casino device that transmitted the player's identification numberto the central server. The casino device receives the casino preferencesfrom the central server and configures the game to operate according tothe received casino preferences. Alternatively, casino personnel (e.g.,table game dealer, slot host) may use the received player preferences toconfigure play of a casino game for the player. According to anotheralternative embodiment, the server configures the game to operateaccording to casino preferences without transmitting the casinopreferences to the casino device.

A gaming system consistent with one embodiment of the present inventionis adaptable to playing preferences and comprises a slot machine forallowing a player to bet on pseudo-randomized events and a centralserver. The slot machine includes a device for receiving preference datarepresenting a preferred operation of the slot machine and a device forprogramming the slot machine to operate according to the receivedpreference data. The server includes a device for storing a collectionof data representing various operations of the slot machine and a devicefor selectively transmitting a portion of the stored collection of datato the slot machine as preference data. The server may also include adevice for receiving data indicating a preferred operation of a slotmachine.

In one embodiment, a server for configuring a slot machine to playingpreferences comprises a device for storing a collection of datarepresenting various operations of the slot machine and a device forselectively transmitting a portion of the stored collection of data tothe slot machine as preference data. The server may also include adevice for receiving data indicating a preferred operation of a slotmachine.

In one embodiment, a game machine adaptable to playing preferences forallowing a player to bet on pseudo-randomized events controlled by thegame machine comprises a device for receiving preference datarepresenting a preferred operation of the game machine from anelectronic storage medium and a device for configuring the game machineto operate according to the received preference data.

System

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 consistent with thepresent invention. System 100 includes network server 1 10 networkedwith slot machine 120. Although FIG. 1 shows only one slot machine 120,many slot machines are typically connected to network server 110. Theterm “slot machine” as used in this specification refers to anyprogrammable gaming terminal controlling a random or pseudo-random eventin which one or more players can bet on the outcome of the event.

Network server 110 may comprise conventional server computer hardware,such as an RS 6000 manufactured by IBM Corp. Server 110 executessoftware instructing the hardware to execute unique functions andoperations in accordance with the principles of the invention. Slotmachine 120 may comprise a 30 conventional slot machine modified tocarry out the functions and operations described below.

Network server 110 and slot machine 120 transmit digitally encoded dataand messages to one another. The transmitted data preferably representsplayer name and identification number (or other player identifier), playresults, authenticated player identification, preferences selections,and preferences data. Those having ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the transmitted data need not be limited to the above.For example, transmitted data may relate to the time, to a message, toinformation about the casino, or to information about a hotel associatedwith the casino.

The terms “player identification number” and “player identifier” as usedin this application refer to any identifier that may identify a playerto the system 100. The player identifier does not necessarily have to bea number.

The communications link between server 110 and slot machine 120preferably comprises a cable on which electronic signals can propagate.Alternatively, however, the communications link may comprise otherconventional communications links, such as over-the-air broadcasttransmission or any wireless transmission means.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the architecture of network server110. Like other conventional server computers, network server 110includes certain standard hardware components, such as CPU 200, storagedevice 210, ROM 220, RAM 230, clock 240, communications port 250. CPU200 is linked to each of the other listed elements of FIG. 2.Communications port 250 connects network server 110 to casino deviceinterface 260, which links network server 110 to slot machine 120.Alternatively, communications port 250 may connect network server 110 toanother type of casino device, such as a card reader or a data terminalused by a dealer at a table game.

Network server 110 executes one or more programs to perform thefunctions and operations described below and stores one or moredatabases of data relating to those functions and operations. Thesedatabases include player database 214, player preferences database 216,and casino preference database 218. The programs (not shown) arepreferably stored in storage device 210 and executed by CPU 200.

Transaction processor 212 accesses information to and from the databasesin data storage device 210. Transaction processor 212 may comprise aseparate, conventional CPU/microprocessor, as shown in FIG. 2, oralternatively comprise a portion of the operating function of CPU 200.

Player database 214 provides a repository of information on players.Players preferably receive casino player tracking cards from a casino byregistering with the casino's card issuing authority. Alternatively,players may provide information to the casino without registering for orreceiving a casino player tracking card. For example, a player at a slotmachine may input information to the slot machine 120, as discussedfurther below, without registering for a player tracking card. FIG. 4shows a possible organization of database 214 with the followinginformation for each registered player: (1) player identificationnumber, (2) social security number, (3) name, (4) address, (5) creditcard number, (6) player rating, (7) complimentary (comp.) information,(8) player preference tracking number, and (9) casino preferencetracking number. Player rating is preferably assigned by the casino andindicates the level of gambling activity of the player based upon, forexample, the amount of money wagered per bet as well as the time played.Complimentary information for each player includes data indicating whatfree amenities, or “complimentaries,” the casino has granted to theplayer as a reward for playing at the casino. Such amenities mayinclude, for example, free drinks and meals at the casino, or a freeroom for the night in the casino hotel, or discounts for performances.Player preference tracking number and casino preference tracking numberare unique identification numbers used to track the playing preferencesof a player internally. In some embodiments, use of these trackingnumbers may not be necessary. Player database 214 may, however, includefewer or more fields for player information.

Player preferences database 216 provides a table of information onplayer preferences indexed by player identification number. As shown inFIG. 5, database 216 preferably includes the following information oneach registered player who entered player preferences through a slotmachine: (1) player identification number, (2) game type, (3) language,(4) sound options, (5) speed of reel spins, (6) number of coins playedper handle pull, (7) payout stricture, (8) payout options, (9) form ofcomplimentaries (comp.) and (10) currency type. Playing preferencesgenerally relates to the values of those parameters that players haveselected in establishing their preferred slot machine configuration. Theplaying preferences contained in database 216 include information aboutthe preferred game (game type), the preferred configuration of the slotmachine (language, sound options, speed of reel spins, number of coinsplayed per handle pull), and preferred distribution of awards (payoutstructure, payout options, form of complimentaries, currency). Inpractice, fewer or more different types of player preferences can bestored in database 216.

Player preferences do not have to be entered through a slot machine.According to alternative embodiments of the present invention, selectedpreferences may be transmitted by the player to slot machine 120 ornetwork server 110 via the Internet (e.g., by using the keyboard of apersonal computer to input preferences into a form displayed at a website), a telephone call (e.g., via an interactive voice response unit(IVRU)), or via a handheld device (e.g., a personal digital assistant(PDA)).

A player's preferences may also be determined by the slot machine 120 ornetwork server 110 based on selections made by the player during gameplay. For example, the network server 110 may store an indication of theconfiguration used by the player the last time he played, or maydetermine a player's preferences based on the settings that the playerhas selected most often or on the games most often played.

Casino preferences database 218 contains a table of information oncasino preferences indexed by player identification number. Casinopreferences reflect certain parameters that casinos can adjust accordingto certain criteria, such as skill level or playing frequency, tomaintain the interest of its players.

FIG. 6 shows a possible organization for database 218 with the followinginformation on each registered player: (1) hold percentage, (2)complimentary award rate, (3) complimentary award limits, (4) gameeligibility (lockout) and (5) other. Hold percentage indicates a rangeof hold percentages, such as high, medium, and low. Low hold percentagescould, for example, be made available to “premium” customers (i.e.,those with a high player rating.) because those players may be courtedby competing casinos.

Complimentary rate indicates how often players should receivecomplimentary amenities. Complimentary award limit indicates the maximumnumber or volume of complimentary amenities each player should receivein a given time period (e.g., per night).

Game eligibility indicates whether each player is qualified to playcertain games. For example, a casino may reserve particular machines forits most frequent players. Casino preferences database 218 wouldindicate which players qualify for such games.

The last field labeled “other” contains information representing othervariables that can be modified to uniquely customize a game so that theplayer maintains interest. For example, this field may indicate that thenumber of player award points accumulated during a certain period oftime should be increased by a multiplier to stimulate interest in theplayer's continued play of the slot machine. Alternatively, the “other”field may contain a stored player gambling history to develop acustomized casino preferences and complimentary award program. Such aprogram would typically be developed to maintain a player's interest incontinuing to play a game at a time when the history indicates he mayotherwise stop. For example, where the player gambling history indicatesthat a player typically stops after losing a certain dollar value, thepreferences and award program may be designed to improve his odds ofwinning as he approaches his typical stop value. In alternativeembodiments, casino preferences database 218 may include more or fewerfields.

FIG. 3 shows the architecture of slot machine 120 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Network server interface 380 provides aconnection for linking slot machine 120 to network server 110. As shownin FIG. 3, slot machine 120 includes CPU 310, which is connected to datastorage device 320, reel controller 330, ROM 340, RAM 342, video displayarea 346, clock 348, operating system 350, hopper controller 352, playercard tracking device 360, preferences selection button 370, randomnumber generator 372, starting controller 374, and network serverinterface 380. These components may be conventional. CPU 310 executesmodules stored in storage device 320 to perform the functions anddescribed below. Controller 330 is connected to three reels 332, 334,336 for displaying symbols corresponding to payouts. Storage device 320includes probability table 322, payout table 324, game parametersdatabase 326, and casino parameter database 328.

With respect to gaming operations, slot machine 120 operates in aconventional manner. The player starts the machine by inserting a coin,or sing electronic credit, and pressing starting controller 374. Undercontrol of a program stored, for example, in storage device 320 or ROM340, CPU 310 initiates random number generator 372 to generate a number.CPU 310 looks up the generated random number in stored probability table322 and finds the corresponding outcome. Based on the identifiedoutcome, CPU 310 locates the appropriate payout in the stored payouttable 324. CPU 310 also directs reel controller 330 to spin reels 332,334, 336 and to stop them at a point when they display a combination ofsymbols corresponding to the generated outcome. When the player wins,the machine stores the credits in RAM 342 and displays them in videodisplay area 346.

Hopper controller 352 is connected to hopper 354 for managing the flowof coins. When the player requests to cash out by pushing a button onslot machine 120, CPU 310 checks RAM 342 to see if the player has anycredits and, if so, signals hopper controller 352 to release anappropriate number of coins into a payout tray.

In alternative embodiments, slot machine 120 does not include reelcontroller 330, and reels 332, 334, 336. Instead, video display area 346graphically displays simulated representations of objects contained inthe selected game, such as graphical reels or playing cards. Theserepresentations preferably animated or displayed to simulate playing ofthe selected game.

Player card tracking device 360 includes display 362 and card reader364. Players insert player tracking cards into card reader 364. Trackingcards can be plastic cards with magnetic strips electronically storingrespective player identification numbers. For example, a hotel key cardor a credit card may be used as a tracking card. Display 362 displaysinformation concerning the use of tracking device 360. Display 362 maybe a touch screen display for receiving signals from the playerconcerning his selection of the options.

Alternatively, machine 120 or device 360 may include one or moreseparate input buttons (not shown) for the players to select the optionsand provide other input such as a PIN (personal identification number)or other player identifier that identifies a player. In otherembodiments, slot machine 120 recognizes the identity of players throughplayer identification devices other than player card tracking device360, thereby eliminating the need for players to identify themselvesusing player identification cards. For example, slot machine 120 couldinclude a keypad, at which players enter either their playeridentification numbers or their names along with a secured password.Slot machine 120 could also include a device for measuring playerbiometrics (i.e., facial features, fingerprint, voice, or retinal scan)to identify players.

Alternatively, preferences may be selected by the player issuing voicecommands into a microphone (not shown) connected to slot machine 120 orinputting his preferences via a keypad (not shown) connected to slotmachine 120.

Alternatively, machine 120 or device 360 may include one or morereceivers (not shown) capable of receiving a signal that identifies aplayer, and also capable of receiving signals from the player concerninghis selection of the options. For example, slot machine 120 could alsoinclude a device for receiving such signals from a communication device(not shown) such as a cellular telephone, handheld display device, orpersonal digital assistant (PDA).

Commercially available player card tracking devices include, forexample, the Mastercom device available from Bally Manufacturing. (See,for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,361 to Raven et al.). Such playertracking devices include a magnetic card reader and a numeric keypad forentry of player information.

Preferences selection button 370 allows a player to initiate selectionof player preferences and to select player preferences displayed onvideo display area 346. Button 370 may comprise a conventional inputdevice, such as a keyboard or dedicated buttons marked with appropriatelabels.

Game parameter database 326 provides a table of information on gameparameters that can be set in slot machine 120. Game parametersgenerally relate to those parameters that players may want to customizein their game playing.

FIG. 7 shows a possible organization for database 326 with the followinginformation for slot machine 120: (1) game type, (2) language, (3)sound, (4) speed of reel spins, (5) currency, (6) payout type, (7)payout structure, (8) number of coins (default), and (9) form ofcomplimentaries (comp.). Slot machine 120 selects values for each of theparameters from database 326 to configure operation of the game in slotmachine 120. Slot machine 120 preferably cannot select values for theparameters that are not contained in database 326. Certain gameparameter values stored in database 326 are designated as game defaultvalues and may be used when the player does not desire, or has notselected, player preferences. In alternative embodiments, database 326includes different combinations of fewer or more player parameters.

Casino parameters database 328 provides a table of information on casinoparameters that can be set in slot machine 120. Casino parametersgenerally relate to those parameters affecting awarding of payouts fromslot machine 120. FIG. 8 shows a possible organization of database 328with the following information for slot machine 120: (1) holdpercentage, (2) complimentary rate, (3) comp. specifications, (4) gameeligibility (lockout) and (5) other. Certain casino parameter valuesstored in database 328 are designated as game default values and may beused when the casino does not have established casino preferences for aplayer. Any of the listed casino parameters may be omitted or othersincluded in database 328.

Operation of the System

The operation of system 100 will be described with respect to twodifferent aspects. First, system 100 operates to adapt slot machine 120to player preferences. Second, system 100 operates to adapt slot machine120 to casino preferences. These operations may occur concurrently toadapt slot machine 120 to both player and casino preferences.

Adapting to Player Preferences

Before slot machine 120 can adapt to player preferences, the player mustenter his preferences into system 100. FIG. 9 is a flowchartillustrating the steps in which a player enters his player preferencesinto system 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the player inserts his playertracking card into slot machine 120 (step 910). The player initiatesentry of preferences by pressing the “New Preferences” button frompreferences selection buttons 370 (step 920). Alternatively, the playermay initiate entry of preferences simply by inserting his tracking card(or otherwise identifying himself) or inserting money into the slotmachine 120. Video display area 346 displays a preferences menuproviding a selection of different choices selectable by the player(step 930). The player selects his preferences using preferencesselection button 370 (step 940), and slot machine 120 transmits theselected preferences, along with the player's identification number fromhis player tracking card, to network server 110 (step 950). Networkserver 110 stores the player's preferences in player preferencesdatabase 216 for later retrieval (step 960).

Once a player has selected his preferences, he may later retrieve themfor configuring slot machine 120. FIGS. 1O a- 1Ob illustrate the mannerin which system 100 retrieves player preference data to configure slotmachine 120. As shown in FIG. 1O a, the player inserts player trackingcard into slot machine 120 (Step 1005), and slot machine 120 transmitsthe player identification number to network server 110 (step 1010).Although not shown, network server 110 may validate the playeridentification number by requiring that the player enter a PIN into slotmachine 120.

Next, server 110 accesses the player database 214 (step 1015) anddetermines whether the player has previously established playerpreferences (step 1020). If not, server 110 informs slot machine 120,which retrieves game default values stored in game parameter database(step 1025). If the player does have established preferences (step1020), network server 110 accesses player preferences database 216 andtransmits the preferences data corresponding to that player'sidentification number to slot machine 120 (step 1030).

In one embodiment, server 110 transmits data actually representing theplayer preferences. In an alternative embodiment, server 110 transmitscodes representing the player preferences, in which case slot machine120 translates the received codes into player preferences using gameparameter database 326. In another alternative embodiment, server 110transmits a signal generated by the server 110 based on the playerpreferences. The signal is operative to configure play of the slotmachine 120 according to the player preferences.

Slot machine 120 then queries the player whether to use previouslyestablished player preferences (step 1035). If not, slot machine 120uses game default values stored in game parameter database 326 (step1025). If the player indicates a desire to use his player preferences,slot machine 120 overrides the game default values and configures thegame in slot machine 120 to match the player preferences (step 1040).Alternatively, slot machine 120 configures the game to the player'spreferences without any input from the player. Alternatively, asdescribed above, play of a game at slot machine 120 may be configured bya signal received from server 110.

Continuing to FIG. 1O b, now that slot machine 120 is configured, theplayer plays the game on slot machine 120 (step 1045). When the playerfinishes, he removes the player tracking card from slot machine 120(step 1050). Upon removal of the player tracking card, slot machine 120accesses default game values from game parameter database 326 andconfigures the game in slot machine 120 to match the game default values(step 1055).

Adapting to Casino Preferences

FIGS. 11 a-11 b illustrate the manner in which system 100 configuresslot machine 120 to adapt to casino preferences. As shown in FIG. 11 a,after the player inserts his player tracking card into slot machine 120(step 1105), slot machine 120 transmits the player identification numberto network server 110 (step 1110). Network server 110 accesses casinopreferences database 218 (step 1115), and determines whether the playerhas established casino preferences (step 1120). If not slot machine 120uses casino default values stored in casino parameter database 328 (step1125). If so, network server 110 transmits casino preferences to slotmachine 120 (step 1130).

In one embodiment, server 110 transmits data representing the casinopreferences. In another embodiment, server 110 transmits codesrepresenting the casino preferences, in which case slot machine 120translates the codes into the casino preferences using casino parameterdatabase 328. In another alternative embodiment, server 110 transmits asignal generated by the server 110 based on the casino preferences. Thesignal is operative to configure play of the slot machine 120 accordingto the casino preferences.

Slot machine 120 configures the game to match the received casinopreferences (step 1135). Alternatively, as described above, play of thegame at slot machine 120 may be configured by a signal received fromserver 110.

Continuing to FIG. 11 b, the player plays slot machine 120, asconfigured above (step 1140). The slot machine 120 sends the results ofthe gambling activity (i.e., the amount of money spent by the player andthe amount of money won by the player) to network server 110 (step1145). Network server 110 analyzes the play results; updates casinopreferences database 216 as necessary; and transmits the updated casinopreferences to slot machine 120 (step 1150).

Server 110 preferably establishes casino preferences by applying thereceived play results to predetermined rules. These rules may consider,for example, the skill of the player or the amount of money spent beforethe player quits. These rules are preferably designed to adjust casinoparameters to stimulate the player's interest in continuing to play slotmachine 120. Server 110 also calculates and stores any complimentaryawards due the player.

Slot machine 120 next configures the game to match the received casinopreferences (step 1155), and determines whether the player has removedhis card (step 1160). If not, steps 1140-1155 are repeated. If theplayer has removed his card, slot machine 120 configures the game tomatch casino default values (step 1165).

Alternative Embodiments

Although the system has been described as one or more slot machinesnetworked to a central server, the-invention applies to other games,casino games, and gaming environments. For example, the invention can beapplied to table games, such as blackjack and craps. Players inserttheir player tracking cards into card readers corresponding to seatsaround, for example, a blackjack table. As discussed above, alternativemeans may be used to identify the players. The central server couldaccess player preferences data and casino preferences data for theplayers, and transmit that data to a data terminal or other casinodevice located at the dealer. The dealer could then modify the game oraward payouts according to the preferences.

The invention also could apply to other environments or systemsinvolving one or more data terminals networked to a central server toconfigure the terminals to identifiable users or operators. For example,the invention could be applied to networked video game systems, systemswith point-of-sale terminals, and automatic teller machines (ATM). Thiseliminates the need for users or operators to manually enter informationduring each and every session to configure the terminals.

Further, player preferences data may be stored entirely on the playertracking card, rather than a central server. In such an embodiment, amachine reads the player preferences data from a received playertracking card and stores updated player preferences data on the card. Inthis way, player preferences move from machine to machine with theplayer's use of the card. Casino preferences may be added to the cardperiodically by, for example, temporarily providing the card to casinopersonnel for this purpose.

Alternative identifiers for identifying a player include: a physicalcharacteristic (e.g., using a video camera to determine identity basedon, for example, face, height, and/or stride), a credit card number, asmart card, a cell phone signal, an signal transmitted from a PDA orhandheld device, a bar code, a serial number of currency used, atelephone number, a player-selected number or symbol, a room key and aroom number.

As an alternative (or in addition to) storing multiple types of games ateach slot machine or other casino device, multiple types of games couldbe stored at the network server. For example, when a different game isneeded at a slot machine, based on stored player preferences or onselection by the player, the network server could transmit (or otherwisedistribute) the game to the slot machine. Similarly, fonts, languages,pay tables and other data typically stored at each networked casinodevice could be stored at the network server and distributed as needed.By determining and distributing the necessary data to the slot machinein accordance with player preferences and/or casino preferences, theserver could configure play of a casino game at the slot machine.

When a player terminates a game session (e.g., withdraws his playertracking identification card), the network server 110 may store anindication of the player's game progress. For example, in addition tostoring an indication of the game configuration at the time play wasterminated, the network server 110 may also store an indication of howmany cherry symbols the player had collected, the displayed hand, or thenumber of levels of the game completed by the player. When the playerbegins game play again, the network server 110 may thus provide theplayer the option of continuing play of the game as if it had not beeninterrupted.

The casino device receiving the indication of playing preferences fromthe central server does not have to be the same casino device that theplayer used to identify himself to the system. For example, in theblackjack table game embodiment described above, the player may inserthis player tracking card into a card reader at his seat, but thepreference data corresponding to the player may be transmitted by theserver to a data terminal viewed by the dealer. According to anotherexample, the player may identify himself to the system upon checkinginto a hotel associated with the casino, or upon providing hisidentification information to a device on the slot floor. In response,an available slot machine is configured according to his preferences,and the player is then directed to the available slot machine.

CONCLUSION

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the method and system of thepresent invention without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. For example, the databases described above may reside in oneor more databases stored in the data storage devices of either slotmachine 120 or network server 110. The present invention covers themodifications and variations of this invention provided they come withinthe scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A method comprising: receiving a player identifier; transmitting theplayer identifier to a central server; receiving data corresponding tothe player identifier from the central server; and configuring play of acasino game based on the data. 2-30. (canceled)